Consumers’ bargain-hunt led the US online retail sales to climb 2% in January 2009, giving some relief to the retailers after a weak holiday season.
The latest comScore study has revealed that US online sales surged 2% in January 2009 as compared to January 2008, offering a ray of hope to online retailers who witnessed drastic decline of 3.5% in business during the holiday season, as reported by mediapostnews.
In January 2009, e-commerce sales worth $10.87 Billion were recorded. The middle-income class witnessed the record 85% retrenchment in the $50,000 to $100,000 income range. This category is particularly important for e-commerce since it accounted for 46% of the online sales in January 2009 against 34% for those whose income is $100,000 or above and 19% for those whose incomes lies within $50,000. Travel websites clocked in increase of 46% to 13,028 visitors in January 2009 over January 2008 while the job search sites grew 42% to 26,702 visitors.
The rise in the US online retail sales during January 2009 was mainly driven by the middle-income consumers who were looking for bargain. In search of ways to reduce expenses, consumers are increasingly visiting to coupon sites, which witnessed 46% increase in traffic in December 2008. Searches related to the term “coupon” tripled and around 53% of online shoppers are using coupons more frequently.
Furthermore, taxes, jobs and travel caught the maximum attention of the Internet surfers in the US during January, representing gains. There was a rise of 176% in the number of unique visitors to the tax sites during the same month in view of the approaching tax season. In addition, vacation planning and declining fuel prices lured people towards online shopping.
Meantime, several contradicting predictions came out amidst the economic recession, which affected the consumer spending. These predictions have had an impact on both traditional and online retail sales. Marketers are required to keep a close and sharp view over the shifting trends.
According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “Rising job concerns amid worsening economy will continue to affect the consumer spending. The present economic conditions have thrashed the consumer sentiments in various ways. Thus, retailers and manufacturers should increase the availability of coupons on the Internet. In addition to boosting the online shopping websites, health of the e-commerce sector is also important for top online advertising companies”
Related Market Research Reports:
U.S. Convenience Stores Market Outlook to 2013
China Apparel Industry - New Opportunities for Growth
Russian Food and Non Food Retail Forecast (2009-2012)
